(Reuters) - John Fox, coach of the Denver Broncos, will undergo an aortic heart valve replacement early this week after he was taken to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday after feeling light-headed while playing golf, the National Football League team said.

Fox, 58, will be absent from coaching the team for several weeks, the Broncos said in a statement on its website.

"Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox will undergo an aortic heart valve replacement early next week at a Charlotte-area hospital. He will take a leave of absence from coaching for at least the next several weeks," the team said over the weekend.

Patrick Smyth, executive director of media relations for the Broncos, earlier quoted Fox as saying that he did not have a heart attack, according to a column by Gray Caldwell, editor of the team's website, DenverBroncos.com.

Doctors advised Fox months ago that his defective aortic valve would have to be replaced after the 2013 season. Fox had an appointment on Thursday and was told to seek medical attention if he felt any discomfort.

The Broncos have not yet announced an interim coach.

Fox is in his third year as coach of the Broncos. The team had a bye week and did not play last weekend. Fox was the coach of the Carolina Panthers for nine years before going to Denver.